Modular construction system and method of construction

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular construction system. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a construction system, including modules, which are capable of being used in a wide range of applications including buildings and various other structures. Prior systems included structured modules connected by means of flexible joints which were composed of cables. These allowed relative movement between walls of various units. Such systems were complex and expensive to manufacture An improved modular construction system overcame this problem by providing a plurality of structural elements of V-shaped or chevron-shaped cross section. These are adapted to be assembled in a cellular configuration by their similar form, size and by virtue of the elements having apertures. Any aperture may receive a connector, which permits an amount of relative movement between said elements in two-rotational degrees of freedom.

1. A modular construction system comprising:
 a plurality of structural elements of V-shaped or chevron-shaped cross section, adapted to be assembled in a cellular configuration, said elements having apertures formed therein and being adapted to receive a connector, which allows an amount of relative movement between said plurality of structural elements in two-rotational degrees of freedom; and 
 a single threaded bolt-type member, threaded with a pair of adjacent washers, to clamp sliding surfaces; 
 wherein said movement is provided by said pair of adjacent washers, one washer having a substantially dish shaped concave surface and the other washer having a substantially hemispherical convex surface. 
 
     
     
       2. A modular construction system as claimed in  claim 1 , including:
 a wedge located between said plurality of structural elements and co-located with and by said threaded bolt-type member. 
 
     
     
       3. A modular construction system as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a hollow threaded tube. 
 
     
     
       4. A modular construction system according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 said plurality of structural elements are substantially identical. 
 
     
     
       5. A modular construction system according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 said V-shaped cross-section subtends an angle of approximately 60° . 
 
     
     
       6. A modular construction system according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 said movement is permitted by way of a base of a frustum being at least one of triangle, square, rectangle and hexagon. 
 
     
     
       7. A modular construction system according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 modules defining a three-dimensionally curved surface comprising predominantly of a first group of identical blocks, said identical blocks comprising a prism having tapered sides.